Transmission detection, interruption, and notification system

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for transmission detection, interruption, and notification are described.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/827,234, filed Aug. 14, 2015, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/037,265, filed Aug. 14, 2014; thecontents of which are incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems and methods for analyzing andmodifying transmissions, and, more specifically, to systems and methodsfor transmission detection, interruption, and notification.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As use of cellular phones and other informational electronic devices hasincreased, so has the propensity of motor vehicle drivers to use suchdevices while operating motor vehicles. The use of electronic devices tomake telephone calls, send text messages, use the Internet, and otheractivities has been determined to significantly distract driverattention from driving related tasks, increasing the risk of vehiclerelated accidents due to driver inattention. This is a significantsafety hazard both for the driver of the motor vehicle and others on theroad.

Needs exist for improved systems and methods for transmission detection,interruption, and notification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of theinvention and together with the detailed description serve to explainthe principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary system for transmission detection,interruption, and notification.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary system for computational aspects oftransmission detection, interruption, and notification.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary system overview for transmission detection,interruption, and notification.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary flow diagram for transmission detection,interruption, and notification.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary interrupting device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Systems and methods are described for using various tools and proceduresfor transmission detection, interruption, and notification. In certainembodiments, the tools and procedures may be used in conjunction withtransmission detection, interruption, and notification. The examplesdescribed herein relate to transmission detection, interruption, andnotification for illustrative purposes only. The systems and methodsdescribed herein may be used for many different industries and purposes,including automotive, aeronautic, law enforcement, security, and/orother industries completely. In particular, the systems and methods maybe used for any industry or purpose where transmission detection,interruption, and notification is needed. For multi-step processes ormethods, steps may be performed by one or more different parties,servers, processors, etc.

In certain embodiments, a transmission detection system may determinethe presence of one or more transmissions and may analyze the one ormore transmissions. In certain embodiments, the one or moretransmissions may be one or more cellular transmissions. Cellulartransmissions may include communications from one, multiple, or allcellular service providers. Cellular transmissions may include mobileradio frequency (RF) service providers. For purposes of this disclosure,the terms “cellular” and “mobile” may be used interchangeably. Incertain embodiments, the one or more transmissions may be detected. Thedetection may be via frequency detection and/or magnetic fieldemanation. In certain embodiments, the detection may be detection ofcellular RF technology frequency. In certain embodiments, the detectionmay be RF electromagnetic radiation emanation, such as magnetic fields.Emanating radiation may be specific absorption rate (SAR). SAR is ameasure of the rate at which energy is absorbed by the human body whenexposed to a RF electromagnetic field. In certain embodiments, thedetection may be both detection of cellular RF technology frequency andRF electromagnetic radiation emission. Cellular devices may emit RFfrequencies and/or electromagnetic radiation. For purposes of thisdisclosure, cellular devices may be any device that is capable ofreceiving and/or emitting cellular frequencies. Cellular devices may be,but are not limited to, cellular telephones, smart phones, tabletcomputers, laptop computers, wearable devices, personal digitalassistants, etc. The emitted RF frequencies and/or electromagneticradiation may allow for determination of distance from an antenna to thecellular devices. The one or more transmissions may be analyzed todetermine a categorization of the one or more transmissions. Forexample, the analysis may determine that the one or more transmissionsis a text message (SMS, MMS), email, voice communication, etc. Incertain embodiments, the transmission detection system may analyzecellular transmissions and distinguish text message transmissions fromother types of cellular transmissions. The one or more transmissions maybe analyzed to determine one or more patterns of interference in thecellular frequencies emitted by the cellular device and/or interferencein the electromagnetic radiation emitted from a cellular device. Forexample, if a user of a cellular device is texting, RF frequency andmagnetic radiation may briefly cause an interference and/or a series ofinterferences. This interference may be detected and used to identifythe type of transmission. Certain embodiments may correlate withpatterns for known, specified types of cellular transmissions. Certainembodiments may include thresholds and/or ranges of values for patternsof interruptions for various types and/or categories of cellulartransmissions. Certain embodiments may compare an interference orpattern of interferences with patterns and/or thresholds of knowncellular transmissions. A categorization based on this analysis may becompleted. If a pattern matches a set of unauthorized cellulartransmissions, then the cellular transmission may be interrupted.Certain patterns of interference may correlate with specific categoriesof transmissions.

In certain embodiments, an interruption system may disrupt the one ormore transmissions. In certain embodiments, only unwanted transmissionsmay be interrupted. In certain embodiments, the interruption may be alocalized disruption. Systems and methods for interrupting cellulardevice transmissions are known in the art. FIG. 5 illustrates anexemplary radio frequency detection/blocking device. Exemplary devicesmay include, but are not limited to, devices from EDOACUSTICA, TEKTRONIXTEK, ALLJAMMER, and ANALOG.

In certain embodiments, a notification system may alert one or morethird parties of an event. An event may be an occurrence in a firstvehicle. The event may be an unauthorized, unapproved, and/or illegalactivity. In certain embodiments, the event may be an activity that isprohibited by law. In certain embodiments, the event may be an activitythat is dangerous to the driver of the first vehicle or one or moredrivers of other vehicles. In certain embodiments, the event is using acellular device for an activity other than voice communications. Incertain embodiments, the event is using a cellular device for anactivity other than voice communications using a hands-free system. Incertain embodiments, the event is using a cellular device for anactivity other than voice communications using a Bluetooth system. Incertain embodiments, the event is using a cellular device for emailing,text messaging, using the Internet, playing games, etc. In certainembodiments, the event is using a cellular device for text messaging oremailing. In certain embodiments, the event is using a cellular devicefor text messaging. In certain embodiments, the notification system mayalert drivers of other vehicles that the driver of an event in the firstvehicle. The drivers of other vehicles may be alerted by one or moreexterior vehicle signals. In certain embodiments, the one or moreexterior vehicle signals may be one or more external lights. In certainembodiments, the one or more exterior vehicle signals may be on thefirst vehicle. In certain embodiments, the system in the first vehiclemay transmit a notification to a third party. In certain embodiments,the third party may be a law enforcement agency. The law enforcementagency may be a central law enforcement center, such as a server,dispatcher, headquarters, etc. The law enforcement agency may be one ormore individual law enforcement units, such as an officer, emergencyvehicle, unit, etc. The notification system may also alert one or morelaw enforcement agencies of the event. For example, law enforcement maybe notified that a driver of the first vehicle is engaging in one ormore unwanted transmissions while driving, such as texting whiledriving. The third party may be one or more law enforcement agencies inproximity to the first vehicle. The third party may be one or moredrivers of other vehicles, such as vehicles in proximity to the firstvehicle. In certain embodiments, proximity may be five miles or less,two miles or less, one mile or less, half a mile or less, a quarter mileor less, a tenth of a mile or less, within visual range, etc. Thenotification may be based on one or more predetermined alert parameters.

In certain embodiments, the notification may be based on compliance ofthe driver and/or one or more passengers with one or more seatbeltregulations. In certain embodiments, non-compliance with one or moreseatbelt regulations may be determined by detection of physical beltengagement. One or more notifications of non-compliance may be provided.

In an exemplary illustration, a texting-while-driving detection andisolation integrated notification system, method, and device may blockdetected localized radio frequency (RF) transmissions within a driver'sproximity in a vehicle. The system may determine and identify targettransmission patterns used for texting and may initiate one or morealert and notification actions. Alert and notification actions mayinclude one or more visual light displays to other drivers and anelectronic transmission alert to law enforcement vehicles, such as thosewithin a localized range.

Although not required, the systems and methods are described in thegeneral context of computer program instructions executed by one or morecomputing devices that can take the form of a traditionalserver/desktop/laptop; mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet;etc. Computing devices typically include one or more processors coupledto data storage for computer program modules and data. Key technologiesinclude, but are not limited to, the multi-industry standards ofMicrosoft and Linux/Unix based Operating Systems; databases such as SQLServer, Oracle, NOSQL, and DB2; Business Analytic/Intelligence toolssuch as SPSS, Cognos, SAS, etc.; development tools such as Java, .NETFramework (VB.NET, ASP.NET, AJAX.NET, etc.); and other e-Commerceproducts, computer languages, and development tools. Such programmodules generally include computer program instructions such asroutines, programs, objects, components, etc., for execution by the oneor more processors to perform particular tasks, utilize data, datastructures, and/or implement particular abstract data types. While thesystems, methods, and apparatus are described in the foregoing context,acts and operations described hereinafter may also be implemented inhardware.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary system 100 for transmission detection,interruption, and notification according to one embodiment. In thisexemplary implementation, system 100 may include one or moreservers/computing devices 102 (e.g., server/computing device 1,server/computing device 2, . . . , server/computing device n)operatively coupled over network 104 to one or more receiving computingdevices 106-1 to 106-n, which may include one or more receivingcomputing devices, one or more provider computing devices, one or moreremote access devices, etc. The one or more servers/computing devices102 may also be operatively connected, such as over a network, to one ormore third party servers/databases 114 (e.g., database 1, database 2, .. . , database n). The one or more servers/computing devices 102 mayalso be operatively connected, such as over a network, to one or moresystem databases 116 (e.g., database 1, database 2, . . . , database n).Various devices may be connected to the system, including, but notlimited to, receiving computing devices, client computing devices,consumer computing devices, provider computing devices, remote accessdevices, etc. This system may receive inputs 118 and outputs 120 fromthe various computing devices, servers and databases.

Server/computing device 102 may represent, for example, any one or moreof a server, a general-purpose computing device such as a server, adetection system, either integral with or separate from a vehicle, apersonal computer (PC), a laptop, a smart phone, a tablet, a wearabledevice, and/or so on. Networks 104 represent, for example, anycombination of the Internet, local area network(s) such as an intranet,wide area network(s), cellular networks, WIFI networks, and/or so on.Receiving computing devices 106, which may include at least oneprocessor, represent a set of arbitrary computing devices executingapplication(s) that respectively send data inputs to server/computingdevice 102 and/or receive data outputs from server/computing device 102.Such computing devices include, for example, one or more of desktopcomputers, laptops, mobile computing devices (e.g., tablets, smartphones, human wearable devices), server computers, and/or so on. In oneimplementation, the input data comprises, for example, transmissioninformation and/or so on, for processing with server/computing device102. In one implementation, the data outputs include, for example,notifications, emails, templates, forms, and/or so on. Embodiments ofthe present invention may also be used for collaborative systems withmultiple users/systems performing various operations from variouslocations. Embodiments of the present invention may be web-based, smartphone-based and/or tablet-based or human wearable device based.

In this exemplary implementation, server/computing device 102 includesat least one processor coupled to a system memory. System memory mayinclude computer program modules and program data.

In this exemplary implementation, server/computing device 102 includesat least one processor 202 coupled to a system memory 204, as shown inFIG. 2. System memory 204 may include computer program modules 206 andprogram data 208. In this implementation program modules 206 may includedetection module 210, interruption module 212, notification module 214,and other program modules 216 such as an operating system, devicedrivers, etc. Each program module 210 through 216 may include arespective set of computer-program instructions executable byprocessor(s) 202. This is one example of a set of program modules andother numbers and arrangements of program modules are contemplated as afunction of the particular arbitrary design and/or architecture ofserver/computing device 102 and/or system 100 (FIG. 1). Additionally,although shown on a single server/computing device 102, the operationsassociated with respective computer-program instructions in the programmodules 206 could be distributed across multiple computing devices.Program data 208 may include transmission data 220, analysis data 222,output data 224, and other program data 226 such as data input(s), thirdparty data, and/or others.

FIG. 3 is an overview of an exemplary system. As shown in FIG. 3, atransmission detection, interruption, and notification system 301 may beemployed in a location 303. The location 303 may be a vehicle, a portionof a vehicle, a non-mobile location, such as a room, a building, aportion of a room or building, etc.

The system 301 may interrupt one or more transmissions. To do so, thesystem 301 may interrupt one or more frequencies associated with the oneor more transmissions. For purposes of this disclosure, the terms“interruption”, “interrupt”, etc. mean blocking at least a portion ofthe one or more frequencies associated with the one or moretransmission. For purposes of this disclosure, the terms “interrupting”,“jamming”, “blocking”, and “scrambling” may be used interchangeably.Interrupting may overpower a cellular device by transmitting a signal onthe same frequency and at a high enough power that the interruptingsignal and the transmitted signal collide and cancel each other out.Cellular devices may be designed to increase power if low-levelinterference is experienced. An interruption device may recognize andmatch a power increase from a cellular device in response tointerference. An adaptive algorithm may be used to automatically adjustan interrupting signal to correspond to power increase from the cellulardevice. Interrupting a transmission may use distance of the cellulardevice from a detector. This may compensate for power increase by thecellular device.

Cellular devices may be full-duplex devices, which means cellulardevices may use two separate frequencies. A first frequency may be fortransmitting (e.g., talking), and a second frequency may be receiving(e.g., listening). The cellular device may use both separate frequenciessimultaneously. In certain embodiments, an interrupting device mayinterrupt only one of the frequencies used by cellular devices, whichmay have the effect of interrupting both frequencies. The cellulardevice may determine that there is no service and/or insufficientservice because it can receive only one of the frequencies.

Although different cellular systems process signals differently, allcellular networks use radio signals that can be interrupted. GSM, usedin digital cellular and PCS-based systems, operates in the 900-MHz and1800-MHz bands in Europe and Asia and in the 1900-MHz (sometimesreferred to as 1.9-GHz) band in the United States. In certainembodiments, an interrupting device may broadcast on any frequency andis effective against Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS), Code DivisionMultiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), GlobalSystem for Mobile Communications (GSM), Personal Communications Service(PCS), Digital Cellular System (DCS), Integrated Digital EnhancedNetwork (iDEN), NEXTEL, and other systems. Analog cellular devices aswell as digital cellular devices may all be susceptible to interrupting.

Interrupting technology may be widely available. An antenna or thedevice may be the interrupting device.

In certain embodiments, the interruption may be localized to apredetermined location. The predetermined location may be apredetermined geographical location and/or a predetermined area ofpotentially mobile location, such as a predetermined area of a movingvehicle. In certain embodiments, the predetermined location may be adefined distance from a detection device. In certain embodiments, thepredetermined location may be proximity to a driver within a vehicle.Proximity may be defined as within about 5 feet, about 4 feet, or about3 feet of the exterior confines of a driver seat. In certainembodiments, proximity may be relative to a detection device. Forexample, proximity may be within about 5 feet, about 4 feet, or about 3feet from a detection device, such as an antenna. In certainembodiments, proximity may be based on the location of an interruptiondevice 305, such as an antenna. Proximity may be within approximately 5feet of the interruption device, more preferably, within approximately 4feet of the interruption device, and more preferably withinapproximately 3 feet of the interruption device.

A signal, such as radiation emitted from a cellular device and/or RFfrequency, may change based on the cellular device and/or distance froma detection device. Strength of a signal may determine distance of thecellular device from a detection device. For a given cellular device,the strength of a signal can be used to calculate and/or look updistance from a signal. For example, for cellular device A, a signalstrength of X may correlate to a distance of N meters between thecellular device and the detection device. Certain embodiments, mayanalyze strength of a signal to calculate distance to allow forinterrupting the device. The interrupting signal may be modified basedon the distance. If the distance to between the cellular device anddetection device is known, then the strength of the interrupting signalmay also be determined. Strength of the interrupting signal may becalculated and/or looked up based on distance. For example, if thedistance between the cellular device A and the detection device is Nmeters, then the strength of the interrupting signal must be Y.

The system may analyze the emitted radiation and/or RF signal from thecellular device. The analysis may determine a presence and/or absence ofinterference in the emitted radiation and/or RF signal from the cellulardevice. Certain actions may interfere with the emitted radiation and/orRF signal from the cellular device. In certain embodiments, user entriesmay be interferences. User entries may be actions initiated by a user.User entries may include, but are not limited to, pressing a buttonand/or making a selection (such as pressing a touch sensitive screen ona smart phone and/or tablet). The user entries may create a pattern. Forexample, a pattern include an interference each time a user makes aselection, such as each time the user selects a letter, word,punctuation, etc. within a text message. If a user types the word “the”in a text message, the pattern may be three user entries with a timeperiod, which would be the time it took the user to select the letters“t”, “h”, and “e”. Patterns may include the number of user entries pertime period. In certain embodiments, the patterns may only refer to userentries. In certain embodiments, the patterns may only refer to numberof user entries.

The interference pattern may be analyzed to determine a category ofactivity. For example, a set of interferences lasting for approximatelyfive seconds may indicate that a user is engaging in text messaging,emailing, or other unlawful and/or unauthorized activities. Thecategories of activities may be predetermined and patterns correspondingto each activity may be predetermined. Thresholds for parameters of thepatterns may determine how the activity is categorized. For example, aset of interferences lasting for more than a predetermined amount oftime may require notification. In certain embodiments, a set ofinterferences lasting more than about 3 seconds, about 4 seconds, about5 seconds, about 6 seconds, about 7 seconds, about 8 seconds, about 9seconds, about 10 seconds, about 15 seconds, about 20 seconds, etc. mayrequire notification. In certain embodiments, a set of interferenceswith more than about 3 interferences per second, more than about 4interferences per second, more than about 5 interferences per second mayrequire notification. A set of interferences may be one or moreinterferes separated by less than a set duration of time. For example, aset of interferences may be one or more interferences separated in timeby less than about 2 seconds, about 1.5 seconds, about 1.0 seconds,about 0.8 seconds, about 0.6 seconds, about 0.5 seconds, about 0.4seconds, about 0.3 seconds, about 0.2 seconds, about 0.1 seconds, etc.For example, when a typical user types a text message or email, thereare several user entries within a short period of time while the usercomposes the message. This pattern of user entries in turn creates acorresponding pattern of interferences in the emitted radiation and/orRF signal from the cellular device. As another example, a set ofinterferences of more than a certain amount may indicate a notificationis required. In certain embodiments, if the set of interferences is morethan about 10, about 11, about 12, about 13, about 14, about 15, about20, about 25, about 30, etc. then a notification may be required. Forexample, a user may have ten user entries into a cellular device whentyping a telephone number for a voice communication. If a user has morethan 10 entries, that may suggest that the user is engaged in activitiesthat may not be safe or lawful when driving a vehicle, such as textingor emailing. A set of 30 interferences, for example, may indicate thatthe user is composing an email. Patterns based on number ofinterferences in a set of interferences may also be correlated and/oranalyzed over a set amount of time.

The patterns detected and utilized may not contain any informationregarding the contents of the transmissions. In certain embodiments, thesystem does not detect the contents of the one or more transmissions,but is instead determining the pattern of user entries. In certainembodiments, no private information may be detected by the system.

In certain embodiments, the system may be operational at all times. Incertain embodiments, the system may be operational when a vehicle isoperational. In certain embodiments, the system may be operational onlywhen a cellular device is operational within the vehicle and/or withinproximity of the interruption device 305. In certain embodiments, thesystem may be operation when a vehicle is in motion. The system maysense when the vehicle is moving and/or may receive information from thevehicle to determine if the vehicle is in motion. In certainembodiments, the system may utilize a global positioning system and/or amomentum monitoring device to determine if the vehicle is in motion.

Certain embodiments may include programmable options. In one option,interfering may occur for a cellular device in proximity to a vehicledriver. In another option, frequency interference patterns may determineif a notification is required and activate an alert system. In anotherembodiment, frequency interference patterns may determine if anotification is required and interrupt the one or more transmissionsafter a predetermined time. The predetermined time may be about 5seconds, about 6 seconds, about 7 seconds, about 8 seconds, about 9seconds, about 10 seconds, about 12 seconds, about 15 seconds, about 20seconds, etc.

In certain embodiments, the customer/user may not be able to program thesystem. The device options may only be set by theinstaller/manufacturer. The options may be determined by one or morerequirements of a regulating agency, such as law enforcement, insurancecompanies, government agencies, commercial vehicle owners, etc.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in certain embodiments, a user 307, such as adriver, may be using one or more cellular devices 309 that are incommunication with one or more cellular networks 311. In certainembodiments, the one or more cellular devices 309 may operate as fullduplex enabled devices using separate frequencies for transmission 313(talking) and receiving 315 (listening) simultaneously as is well-knownand understood by those skilled in the art. Certain embodiments mayblock one, multiple or all frequencies used by cellular devices. Thismay have the effect of interrupting all communication with the cellulardevices. In certain embodiments, a cellular device may be placed into a“no service” status, and may not function in close proximity to aninterrupting device. In certain embodiments, all transmissionfrequencies may be blocked at once. In certain embodiments, specificfrequencies may be turned on/off as desired.

Cellular systems may use the Global System for Mobile Communications(GSM) and Personal Communications Service (PCS) based systems. Thesecellular systems may operate in the 900-MHz and 1800-MHz bands in Europeand Asia and in the 1900 MHz, referred to as 1.9 GHz, band in the UnitedStates. Although different cellular systems process signals differently,all cellular telephone networks utilize radio signals that can beinterrupted. Certain embodiments may broadcast on any frequency fortransmission by the cellular devices. In certain embodiments, selectedsubsets of frequencies may be selected. Certain embodiments may beuseful for analog as well as digital devices. Certain embodiments may beeffective against transmissions selected from, but not limited to,Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS), Code Division Multiple Access(CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Global System for MobileCommunications (GSM), Personal Communications Service (PCS), DigitalCellular System (DCS), Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (iDEN),NEXTEL, and other systems.

As examples, the following are exemplary U.S. cellular network carriersand operative ranges.

AT&T uses both the 800 and 1900 MHz bands for voice services dependingupon the area, but the majority of their customers communicate on the800 MHz band. AT&T's Evolution-Data Optimized (EVDO) network utilizesthe 1900 MHz band.

VERIZON WIRELESS uses both the 800 and 1900 MHz bands for voice servicesdepending upon the area, but the majority of their customers communicateon the 800 MHz band. VERIZON WIRELESS's EVDO network utilizes the 1900MHz band.

T-MOBILE uses the 1900 MHz band for both voice and data service.

SPRINT uses the 1900 MHz band for both voice and data service. SPRINThas many active roaming contracts, in which case voice may sometimes becarried on the 800 MHz band.

NEXTEL uses proprietary iDEN multi-frequency technology.

ALLTEL uses both the 800 and 1900 MHz bands for voice services dependingupon the area, but the majority of their customers communicate on the800 MHz band. ALLTEL's EVDO network utilizes the 1900 MHz band.

US CELLULAR uses both the 800 and 1900 MHz bands for voice servicesdepending upon the area, but the majority of their customers communicateon the 800 MHz band. US CELLULAR's data network utilizes the 1900 MHzband.

In certain embodiments, an interruption device 305 may include anoperative detection and transmission antenna. The antenna may bepositioned within the location 303, such as within a vehicle. In avehicle, the antenna may be positioned at or near the vehicle'swindshield. Positioning at or near the vehicle's windshield may allowfor more effective proximity detection and interruption of thefrequencies emanating from the driver's position. In certain embodimentsa single antenna may be used for detection and interrupting. In otherembodiments, separate antennas may be used for detection andinterruption. In certain embodiments, the strongest frequency detectionand/or interrupting may be within a predetermined distance from theantenna. In certain embodiments, the interruption device 305 may be adirectional antenna. The interruption device 305 may detect a frequencyused for communications. After the frequency has been detected, thefrequency may be monitored for interference patterns. If a certainpattern has been detected, the system may analyze the certain patternand determine a category of activity. If the category of activityrequires notification and/or interrupting, the system may carry out theprescribed action.

In certain embodiments, Bluetooth frequencies (2.402 GHz-2.480 GHz) maynot be affected by the interrupting device 305. In vehicles equippedwith Bluetooth systems, which may allow a driver to perform hands-freevoice communication, continued use of Bluetooth frequencies may bepossible. Therefore, Bluetooth oriented voice frequency transmissionsmay be unaffected by certain embodiments.

Certain embodiments may provide the ability to analyze and determine oneor more characteristics of one or more transmissions. For example,certain embodiments may be able to analyze the one or more transmissionand determine a categorization for the one or more transmission, such asif the one or more transmission is a text message. Selective disruptionof the one or more transmissions may be provided to a predeterminedlocation around a user of the cellular device.

The transmission frequency detection determination for a specific typeof user transmission, such as texting, may be enabled by the use ofsoftware. Software may reside in a processor and/or memory 317 of one ormore controllers 319.

Transmission detection may include several specific processes anddeterminations. For example, the transmission detection may determinevarious parameters.

1. Proximity signal strength detection. This may be modified forcellular device frequency. The signal strength detection may includemeasurement of emanating radiation. The proximity signal strengthdetection may be modified to adapt to cellular telephone technology andcorresponding frequencies.

2. Separation and isolation of defined Bluetooth frequency. In certainembodiments, Bluetooth frequencies may not be affected by interruptingby the system. In certain embodiments, Bluetooth frequencies may not bemonitored by the system.

3. Containing an Analyzing Software Application. As noted herein, theanalyzing software application may determine and analyze patterns inemitted radiation and/or RF signals.

4. Receiving analyzed information and displaying. Results of theanalyzing may be stored and/or transferred to a separate location, suchas a database. Information from any stage may be displayed for the userand/or third parties.

5. Emitting analyzed signal to low voltage visual reference. In certainembodiments, the system may send instructions to activate a visualreference and/or may directly activate a visual reference.

6. Interrupting transmission activity at a predetermined location. Incertain embodiments, the system may send instructions to interrupt oneor more transmissions and/or may directly interrupt the one or moretransmissions.

7. A signal detector may detect a frequency of an electronic device inuse. The signal detector may submit the frequency information to signalanalyzing and detection software. The signal analyzing and detectionsoftware may provide signal pattern recognition.

The signal analyzing and detection software may determine one or morepatterns in the one or more transmissions. For example, text messagingor any texting process may have a specific pattern. The pattern may takethe form of breaks in the radiation emitted by a cellular device and/orRF signal. The software may analyze the pattern and determine a type oftransmission without reading any actual information within the one ormore transmissions. By detecting and analyzing the radiation pattern,and not the actual information (data) transmitted, the system may notviolate data privacy.

All cellular telephone activity creates frequency waves. Those waves canbe analyzed and compared with specific types of transmissions, such astext messages, voice calls, etc. The system may analyze those patterns,determine the frequency, and compare wave forms. Certain functions mayinclude the following:

1. Analyzing the frequency pattern and wave forms, including radiation,for proximity.

2. Submitting the pattern on a specified frequency. As an example, thespecified frequency may be a law enforcement frequency.

3. Trigger a visual indicator, such as a low voltage light. The visualindicator may be mounted outside of the vehicle. The low voltage lightmay be visible to third parties outside the vehicle, including lawenforcement and/or other drivers.

4. Store the information and frequency detected.

In certain embodiments, the system may provide for a multiple detectionfrequency of GSM and CDMA 824-849 MHz, UTM 1920-1980 and PCS 1720-1850,and 1010 MHz uplink with the exception of Bluetooth in the 2.4 GHzfrequency.

An analyzing system may provide for information and display on selectlaw enforcement monitors. The analyzing system may emit an analyzedsignal to low voltage reference.

An identification system may identify a target transmission andtherefore may determine the nature of the transmission. This analyticaldetermination of what kind of transmission is taking place may have ahigh degree of accuracy assuring that the target transmission criteriahas been met. The identification system may then initiate one or moreinterdiction transmission protocols and one or more alert notificationactions.

A system receiver 315 and transmitter 313 may be required to initiallydetect and receive the user's 307 transmissions. The receiver 315 and/ortransmitter 313 may be required to disrupt the user's 307 transmissionsin proximity to the user 307. Once such driver target transmissions aredetected, notification and alert action sequences may be activated,including an indicator 321, such as a visual indication to otherdrivers. In certain embodiments, the indicator 321 may be, for example,a dedicated independent external light. In certain embodiments, theindicator 321 may be the vehicle's existing lights activated in apredetermined sequence.

A wireless alert and notification action may transmit an alert signal toone or more third parties, such as law enforcement. In certainembodiments, the alert signal may be a low-powered transmission. Thealert signal may be directed by frequency determination to local lawenforcement emergency vehicles. In certain embodiments, the local lawenforcement emergency vehicles may be located within a defined proximityto the transmitting vehicle, based on transmission effective power andtherefore range.

Such informational emergency service alert transmissions may thereforebe configured once received through a variety of alert notificationprotocols dependent on institutional receiver requirements.

FIG. 4 is an overview of an exemplary system according to an embodimentof the invention.

A cellular frequency may be received by a cellular device. A directionalantenna may receive the cellular frequency. The directional antenna maybe powered. The directional antenna may detect a mobile devicefrequency, a signal strength, and an interference pattern in thevicinity of the directional antenna. The directional antenna mayinterface with a circuit interface containing a scrambler and softwarealgorithm. The circuit interface may also be powered. The circuitinterface and software algorithm may analyze the cellular frequency andperform a radiation strength detection. The system may performmonitoring and programming option. A determination may be made as towhether blocking is required. If yes, then cellular service may beinterrupted. If no, the frequency and interference pattern may bedetected. If yes, then the pattern may be stored and a visual referencemay be sent. Authorities may receive the communication. If the frequencyinterface pattern is detected for a threshold, such as 10 seconds, thepattern may be stored and a visual reference may be sent. If it is notfor a threshold, such as 10 seconds, Authorities may receive thecommunication. Otherwise, the service may be interrupted. If thefrequency pattern interference pattern is not detected for a threshold,such as 10 seconds, the process cycles back to analyzing the frequencyand radiation strength detection.

Frequency monitoring may occur continuously between cellular device,antenna and circuit board.

Voice communications do not emit an interference pattern and may not berecognized as texting or emailing.

The Circuit Device may continuously monitor RF Frequencies and may lookfor frequency interference patterns. If the system is programmed forscrambling/blocking only frequency interference patterns may beautomatically ignored.

If an interference pattern has been detected, the information (or waveoutputs with pattern characteristics) may be automatically stored andanalyzed. The pattern (texting) may be sent to a RF capable receivingdevice. The receiving device may show with up to or exceeding 99%accuracy that the transmitted pattern emanated from a cellular devicewhere the driver was texting while driving.

The algorithm may allow various programing methods.

1. Blocking/Scrambling.

2. Frequency interference pattern recognition with data storage and datawave transmission.

3. Frequency interference pattern recognition with data storage and datawave transmission and blocking/scrambling after a certain amount ofseconds (programmable).

In certain embodiments, the system may communicate/transmit on areserved frequency to alert authorities equipped with a RF receiver. TheRF receiver may receive only the already analyzed conclusions regardingactivity categorization and monitored frequency interference patternsemanating from the circuit board inside the vehicle. At the same timethe system may trigger a visual light installed the vehicle to showauthorities the driver is engaged in an illegal activity, such astexting while driving.

In certain embodiments, the frequency pattern interference can bedefined as “out of phase” as they arrive distorted at a certaininterval. The distortion in the emanating waves may be monitored byusing or connecting an oscillograph or other devices or methods fordetecting emitted radiation and/or RF frequency. In certain embodiments,the monitoring may be via visual monitoring. Distances between peaks,valleys, or other variations may be measured automatically to determinea pattern. The distance may be measured with known RF radiation fieldstrength methods.

Certain embodiments may also be useful for other non-compliancecriteria. For example, seatbelt use may be monitored. Certainembodiments may detect failure of one or more vehicle occupants to weara seatbelt. One or more seatbelt sensors 323, such as occupancy sensorssimilar to those in use in passenger airbag systems currently availablein the automotive industry may be used. Upon detection of non-compliancewith criteria, the system may initiate an alert and/or notification. Incertain embodiments, a visual indication may alert law enforcement ofthe non-compliance.

In certain embodiments, the system and methods may be integrated into avehicle's existing computer system. Other operational features can beinitiated within the system, including for example vehicle locationusing integrated GPS. In certain embodiments, the system and methods maybe a standalone system that may or may not interact with the vehiclesexisting computer system.

In certain embodiments, a hardware system may be provided. Hardwarecomponents may include, but are not limited to, an antenna, a processor,a controller, a memory, an transmitter, a receiver, an indicator, etc.

In certain embodiments, a tracking device may be provided. The trackingdevice may be of various sizes. For example, one or more dimensions of adevice may range from about 0.25 inches to about 10 inches, or about 0.5to about 8 inches, or about 1 to about 5 inches. One or moreinterrupting devices may be an antenna. The antenna may be any type ofantenna, but may preferably be a flexible antenna. The flexible antennamay be about 2 to about 10 feet, preferably about 3 to about 8 feet,more preferably about 4 to about 5 feet. The antenna may be mountedinside the windshield. The antenna may be mounted around the windshield.The antenna may be mounted around the windshield of the driver's side ofa vehicle.

A tracking device may have various functions.

Interruption

The interruption function may be used to interrupt one or moretransmissions. In certain embodiments, one or more radio frequencytransmissions may be scrambled within proximity of the driver. Incertain embodiments, no driver may be able to use the phone while inmotion and while sitting in the driver's seat. In certain embodiments,front and rear passenger may not be affected by the interruption.

Frequency Detection

The frequency detection function may be used for detection and isolationof a transmission. The frequency detection function may allow operationof the device on certain frequencies (i.e., Bluetooth at 2.402 GHz-2.480GHz).

All cellular telephone activity emits a certain frequency pattern(radiation) for talk, texting or browsing the web.

Certain embodiments may identify a frequency pattern of the one or moretransmissions.

Certain embodiments may then determine the category of the one or moretransmissions.

If a certain frequency pattern has been detected, the system may thendetermine what kind of transmission is taking place. In certainembodiments, the system may be able to tell with an over 90% accuracywhat kind of transmission has been submitted.

In certain embodiments, the system may integrate with a globalpositioning system (GPS) on the electronic device. The GPS system mayprovide a location and movement of the electronic device.

In certain embodiments, the system can be made temper safe and/or tamperresistant by integrating the system into a vehicle onboard computersystem.

Emergency Vehicle Detection and Notification

Certain embodiments may also include systems for detection and/ornotification of oncoming emergency vehicles. Emergency vehicles may beequipped with low frequency emitting module. The emitting module may beactivated manually or automatically. For example, the emitting modulemay be activated by a driver or occupant of the emergency vehicle whenresponding to an emergency. In certain embodiments, the emitting modulemay be automatically activated upon initiation of a siren. In certainembodiments, a centralized server and/or system may initiate a device ona remote emergency vehicle.

A signal may be sent to a device on a third party vehicle. In certainembodiments, the signal may be sent over a reserved and/or predeterminedfrequency. The third party vehicle may then notify the driver and/orpassengers of the third party vehicle of an emergency vehicle nearby.The signal may activate a warning light, sound, or other notificationsystem. In certain embodiments, the signal may activate a dashboardintegrated warning light.

In certain embodiments, all emergency vehicles in a predeterminedproximity that are responding to an emergency may cause activation of anotification in the third party vehicle. In certain embodiments, onlyemergency vehicles approaching the third party vehicle may activate thenotification.

Although the foregoing description is directed to the preferredembodiments of the invention, it is noted that other variations andmodifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and may bemade without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.Moreover, features described in connection with one embodiment of theinvention may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if notexplicitly stated above.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computerized method of transmission detection,interruption, and notification, the computerized method comprising thesteps of: receiving emitted radiation or a radio frequency (RF) signalfrom a cellular device at a detector, wherein the emitted radiation orthe RF signal correspond to a cellular transmission from the cellulardevice; determining a distance of the cellular device from the detectorusing the emitted radiation or the RF signal; isolating and targeting afrequency of the RF of the cellular transmission, allowing for a user toperform hands-free voice communication using a bluetooth frequency;determining a pattern of a set of interferences in the emitted radiationor the RF signal, wherein each interference in the set of interferencesis created by the user entry into the cellular device; correlating thepattern with a category of activity to determine a type of cellulartransmission; and interrupting transmission of the cellular transmissionusing the distance, wherein the receiving emitted radiation or a radiofrequency (RF) signal, determining a distance, isolating and targeting afrequency, determining a pattern, correlating the pattern, andinterrupting the transmission are performed using at least one processorcoupled to a memory.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the detector isan antenna.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the cellular transmissionis a text message.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein determining adistance is based on the strength of the emitted radiation or the RFsignal.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the distance isbased on characteristics of the cellular device.
 6. The method of claim1, wherein the use entry is pressing a button or making a selection on atouch screen.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining apattern of a set of interferences comprises detecting one or moreinterferences, wherein the one or more interferences is a distortion inthe emitted radiation or the RF signal.
 8. The method of claim 1,wherein the pattern is a number of interferences.
 9. The method of claim8, wherein the pattern is a number of interferences in a predeterminedamount of time.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the correlatingcomprises comparing the pattern against patterns for specific types ofcellular transmissions.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the type ofcellular transmission is a text message.
 12. The method of claim 1,further comprising notifying a third party of the cellular transmission.13. The method of claim 12, wherein the third party is a law enforcementagency.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the third party is anindividual not within proximity of the detector.
 15. The method of claim12, wherein the notifying is by a visual indicator.
 16. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the visual indicator is on the exterior of a vehicle.17. The method of claim 1, wherein the detector and cellular device arewithin a vehicle.
 18. A computerized method of transmission detection,interruption, and notification, the computerized method comprising thesteps of: receiving emitted radiation or a radio frequency (RF) signalfrom a cellular device at a detector; isolating and targeting afrequency of the RF of the cellular transmission with an identificationsystem that is located within a vehicle, allowing for a user to performhands-free voice communication using a bluetooth frequency; determininga pattern of a set of interferences in the analyzing a pattern of theemitted radiation or the RF signal, wherein each interference is createdby a user entry into the cellular device; correlating the pattern with acategory of activity to determine a type of cellular transmission; andnotifying a third party of the type of cellular transmission, whereinthe receiving emitted radiation or a radio frequency (RF) signal,isolating and targeting a frequency, determining a pattern, correlatingthe pattern, and notifying a third party are performed using at leastone processor coupled to a memory.
 19. The method of claim 18, furthercomprising interrupting the cellular transmission.
 20. The method ofclaim 18, wherein detector and the cellular device are within a movingvehicle and the type of cellular transmission is a text message.